I am so tired – Ronnie O’Sullivan defies debilitating virus to reach next round

Ronnie O’Sullivan cruised to victory over Pang Junxu (Richard Sellers/PA

Defending champion Ronnie O’Sullivan defied a debilitating virus to sink Chinese qualifier Pang Junxu 10-7 and move into the second round of the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield.

The 47-year-old revealed he will head straight home to bed prior to the start of his scheduled last-16 match on Friday after withstanding a strong fightback from his gutsy opponent despite feeling distinctly under the weather.